Regulation of ultra-light aircraft in Canada is covered by the Canadian Aviation Regulations. An earlier definition[1] of "ultra-light aeroplane", effective October 10, 1996, meant

a single-seat aeroplane that has a launch weight of 165 kg (364 pounds) or less, and a wing area, expressed in square metres, of not less than the launch weight in kilograms minus 15, divided by 10, and in no case less than 10 m²,

a two-seat instructional aeroplane that has a launch weight of 195 kg (430 pounds) or less, and a wing area, expressed in square metres, of not less than 10 m² and a wing loading of not more than 25 kg/m² (5.12 lb/ft²), the wing loading being calculated using the launch weight plus the occupant weight of 80 kg (176 pounds) per person, or

an advanced ultra-light aeroplane;

On June 1, 2003, the definition was amended to state that an "ultra-light aeroplane" means either an advanced ultra-light aeroplane or a basic ultra-light aeroplane.[2]

On July 6, 1956 the Department of Transport first issued new requirements for ultralight aircraft, a category that was eventually renamed "Amateur-built aircraft", leaving Canada without an ultralight category. The basic ultralight category was established as a new category in 1982 to fill this gap.[3] Regulation of ultralight aircraft in Canada is covered by the Canadian Aviation Regulations, which defines a "basic ultra-light aeroplane" as:

an aeroplane having no more than two seats, designed and manufactured to have:

According to Canadian Aviation Regulations, Part I, Subpart 1, an "advanced ultra-light aeroplane" means an aeroplane that has a type design that is in compliance with the standards specified in the manual entitled Design Standards for Advanced Ultra-light Aeroplanes (DS10141).[2][4]

The advanced ultra-light aeroplane (AULA) category is similar, but not identical, to the American light sport aircraft (LSA) category. Many aircraft are available as AULAs in Canada and LSAs in the United States.

An ultra-light pilot permit, recreational pilot permit, private, commercial or airline transport aeroplane licence issued by Transport Canada, is required in order for a person to operate an ultra-light aeroplane in Canada.[6] Pilots holding a Recreational or higher license may carry a passenger in a two-seat advanced ultra-light aeroplane. Pilots with only an ultra-light permit may not carry a passenger in an advanced ultralight unless they have received a passenger carrying endorsement. Basic ultralights cannot carry passengers unless the passenger is another pilot. Student pilots undergoing training may be carried in basic ultralights.